In the limelight
The Czech Republic and Austria joined hands in organizing a travel workshop at Radisson Blu with the support of Turkish Airlines. No less than Czech Ambassador Jaroslav Olsa Jr. came to town to talk about his beloved country. His good news was that the Czech Embassy has opened the Czech Visa Application Center in Cebu in cooperation with VFS Global, so it is easy getting a visa to his beautiful country. On the other hand, Michal Prochazka of Czech Tourism presented a video on Prague, the country’s historic, romantic and photogenic capital dubbed “the cornerstone of a magical labyrinth.”
Austria was represented by Adelheid Zautner, Business Development manager of Advantage Austria, who focused on the highlights of the tourist destinations in her country... scenic landscapes, historic buildings, music, art and more.
On the part of Turkish Airlines, Erhan Balaban, general manager Philippines, shared that the airline has 304 destinations in 122 countries, and that it has been named Europe’s Best Airline for six years. Its Business Class lounge in Istanbul has been recognized as the World’s Best Business Class Lounge. Coming up in October is the opening of Istanbul’s new airport, the largest in the world.
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As has been its tradition for the past 12 years, Balletcenter presented a summer repertory concert featuring students from all levels (Kindergarten to Professional). Venue was Cinema One of Ayala Center Cebu. This time around artistic director Gregory Aaron created a contemporary ballet number entitled “Colors of Life” to the music of the Thai musical group Tutu. Taking care of the libretto were senior ballet teachers Cecile Nolasco and Pep Declaro. Also on the program was the Grand Pas De Deux from “The Nutcracker.” Yes, Balletcenter, known for its classical ballet productions, cannot skip a well-loved classic. The culminating number was Gregory Aaron’s jazzy ballet entitled “Sing, Sing, Sing.”
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It was a celebration of life, of civic involvement, of nurturing talents and producing musicals when Dr. Milagros Castillo Espina gathered friends, colleagues and University of San Jose-Recoletos alumni (members of the Dramatics and Cultural Ensemble and Amparito L. Lhuillier Educational Foundation) for her “Thank You For The Music” affair in the New White Gold House Restaurant on the Saturday before her birthday on July 16. Oh yes, it was one beautiful musical evening to remember!
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And speaking of celebrations, the Gallego family of the Angelica Bakeshop chain gathered relatives and friends at the Citylights Gardens Hall for the joint birthday celebration of the matriarch Angelita and son Jaime. It was a beautiful party with a masquerade theme.
Over in Casino Español de Cebu some weeks ago, New Jersey-based doctor Jose “Bebbe” Barba gathered dear old friends for dinner to celebrate friendship. With him was his niece Beverly Anne Stafford. He was in town to stand as wedding sponsor for the daughter of a very good friend.